NHL Rumors: A Barzal for Dubois swap, Flames looking at superstar, and more
Anthony Scultore
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There are trade rumors and then there are spitball-off-the-wall trade rumors. Steve Simmons in his latest edition for the Sunday Toronto Sun tossed one out there for consumption. It’s certainly a head scratcher.
NHL Rumors: Mathew Barzal for Pierre-Luc Dubois straight up
I’m not sure if Mr. Simmons needed a Snickers bar or basically ignored what Mathew Barzal had to say about his love for the Islanders. In his Sunday long column he wrote:
If I’m Lou Lamoriello, now that I’ve signed restricted free agent Mathew Barzal, I’d turn around and trade him to Columbus for Pierre-Luc Dubois, who wants out. Barzal may be the more dynamic offensive player, but Dubois is the better three-zone player, which is Islanders style, and he’s three inches taller and almost 30 pounds heavier than Barzal, and $2 million a year less expensive.
Toronto Sun
I’m not sure I understand the logic here, especially when you consider that Barzal is better than Dubois. He’s already had an 85 point season an is averaging .88 points per game in his career versus Dubois’ .67.
Then there’s Barzal telling reporters early yesterday that he never considered leaving. “The whole negotiation was totally respectable on both sides,” he said. “It’s pretty clear I love it on the Island. I love being here, this is a fun place to be and a fun place to play. None of those thoughts ever started to sink in.”
Sorry….I’m still head scratching here.
RELATED: BARZAL SIGNS FOR 3 YEARS
NHL Rumors: Flames and Dubois?
You often hear that the Calgary Flames’ Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan are on their last legs with the team. That’s where Pierre LeBrun makes a suggestion that they could be a partner for Dubois.
It was a busy offseason for the Flames. The team improved, especially with the addition of goalie Jacob Markstrom. What didn’t happen, despite all the speculation, was Calgary doing something bigger as far as dealing either Sean Monahan or Johhny Gaudreau. This could be an appealing trade partner for Columbus if a Dubois deal is more about getting players back who can help the Jackets now. Is there something here around Dubois and Monahan? Again, this is just me spit-balling. But I’d be surprised if the Flames didn’t check in.
The Athletic
NJ Devils looking at Jimmy Howard
The NJ Devils lost Corey Crawford due to personal reasons. Yesterday I noted that they are now looking at veteran Jimmy Howard as a replacement. I’m hearing that talk is picking up and something could happen soon.
Howard, now 36 years of age was under assault last season for a terrible Red Wings team and managed a 2-23-2 record. However, in 543 NHL games Howard’s record is solid at 246-196-70 with a 2.62 GAA and .912 SV%.
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